Fitness magazine publisher Robert Kennedy dies at 73

TORONTO--Robert "Bob" Kennedy, the man behind the Canadian-based publisher of popular health books and fitness magazines including "Oxygen," "MuscleMag" and "American Curves," has died. He was 73.

Kennedy died Thursday of complications from cancer at his home in Caledon Hills, Ontario, north of Toronto, Publicist Silvie Bordeaux said Friday.

Kennedy, who founded Robert Kennedy Publishing, began his fitness-based business empire in a 1972 venture when he sold nutrition, bodybuilding and fitness instruction courses through the mail.

He launched his first magazine, "MuscleMag International," in 1974 and started a fitness franchise with stores and a clothing line in the 1990s. He also wrote several books, including the best-selling "Hardcore Bodybuilding."

He was married to Tosca Reno, who wrote the best-selling "Eat-Clean Diet" series, produced by Kennedy's publishing house.

"He showed me how to live my life as one filled with possibilities. Through him I became what I am today, a story that is familiar to many others who have been touched by Bob's generous, warm and colorful spirit," his wife wrote on her personal blog Friday.

She credited Kennedy for her transformation from an "overweight, frumpy 40-something" to a fitness fanatic.

"What Robert gave me will fill me for my lifetime. To walk this path without him is by far the biggest weight I have lifted yet though Robert trained me well....Goodbye my dear husband, friend and mentor."

Kennedy was born to an Austrian father and an English mother who were both school teachers. He grew up in Britain, where his passion for fitness was apparent from an early age. Kennedy and a friend would construct makeshift-weights from broomsticks and cement-filled tins, and save up to buy bodybuilding magazines from London.

Kennedy moved to Canada in 1967 where he initially taught art for five years in Brampton, Ontario.

Very sad. I met Robert a few times in his Brampton store in the very early days. I remember the first edition of Muscle Mag and now it’s up there with the best.I didn't know he was ill. My best wishes to his familyR.I.P. Bob